Media Advisory: Supporters from across province to join striking CUPE 926 members at Wilfrid Laurier University for 11:00 a.m. rally on Friday

WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 14, 2016) - A wide array of community and labour allies from across the province will join the striking members of Local 926 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 926) on their picket lines Friday, July 15 at 11:00 a.m.

The picket support and rally are a show of solidarity with the striking custodians, groundskeepers and trades at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU), whom the employer forced out on strike July 10 in an effort to protect secure, stable jobs and quality services on campus.

CUPE 926 was forced into strike action July 10, following months of unprecedented threats and bullying by WLU, which insisted members accept a contract that would give the employer a virtual 'carte blanche' to contract out good, stable jobs and replace them with precariously-employed contractors.

The university's efforts to intimidate and divide hard-working and dedicated employees have been coupled with attempts to force acceptance that were so egregious, CUPE 926 felt compelled to file an unfair labour practices complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

In addition to local support from community allies and the affiliates of the Waterloo Region District Labour Council (WRDLC), support is also coming in from CUPE locals across a broad swath of the province, as well as from CUPE Ontario and CUPE National.

Fred Hahn, President of CUPE Ontario, along with several members of the CUPE Ontario Executive Board, will accompany strikers on the picket line.

Notice to news editors, producers and photo desks: CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn and other members of the CUPE Ontario Executive Board will be available for interviews. Media wishing to interview Fred Hahn, or others participating in the event, should contact Kevin Wilson, CUPE Communications, at 416-821-6641.

WHAT:

Picket support and rally in support of striking CUPE 926 members

WHEN:

Friday, July 15, 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Assemble at WLU Main Gates (Intersection of University and Hazel)

WHO:

Striking CUPE 926 members, local labour and community allies, and supporters from across Ontario

WHY:

To support CUPE 926 members and their efforts to secure a fair negotiated contract with their bully employer, Wilfrid Laurier University